Over 21,000 waterbirds spotted in Capiz wetlands

DAVE QUIMPO/HARIBON FOUNDATION 2025 PHOTO
DAVE QUIMPO/HARIBON FOUNDATION 2025 PHOTO

CAPIZ – More than 21,000 migratory, resident and endemic waterbirds were spotted across 13 sites in this province during the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC).

The AWC was conducted by the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and Mambusao Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) along with Mr. David G. Quimpo of Haribon Foundation from January 13 to 18 this year.

The sightings of the more than 50 species of migratory, resident and endemic waterbirds highlighted the rich biodiversity of the province’s wetland ecosystems.

Among the bird species seen during the five-day AWC were Javan Pond Heron, Barred Rail, Black Winged Stilt, Moorhen, and Purple Heron.

“Everyone can take part in monitoring waterbirds. You can start by getting familiar with birds around you, visiting wetlands nearby, and identifying waterbirds. If you want to participate in the next AWC, you may contact your local DENR office or join bird enthusiast groups,” Haribon Foundation said in a Facebook post.

The AWC is an annual survey conducted during the second and third weeks of January each year. It highlights the crucial role of waterbirds in promoting environmental sustainability, as well as in supporting the growth, protection, and conservation of biodiversity within these ecosystems.

The census’ key objectives include the following:

* establishing baseline data for estimating waterbird populations;

* tracking changes in waterbird numbers and distribution through regular, standardized wetland surveys;

* enhancing knowledge of lesser-known waterbird species and wetland sites;

* identifying and monitoring critical sites for waterbirds, including those that qualify as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention;

* providing data on the conservation status of waterbird species to support international conservation efforts; and

* raising awareness of the significance of waterbirds and their wetland habitats at local, national, and global levels./PN

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